Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain associated with changes in stool frequency and/or stool form. It is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in both primary care and gastroenterology clinics. IBS is associated with high health care costs, disability, work absenteeism, and significant morbidity. In this article, we review the gender differences in epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, physiology, psychological features, and responses to therapy of IBS.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Activities of Daily Living
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Colonic Diseases, Functional / diagnosis*
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Colonic Diseases, Functional / epidemiology
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Colonic Diseases, Functional / etiology*
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Colonic Diseases, Functional / metabolism
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Colonic Diseases, Functional / psychology
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Feeding and Eating Disorders / complications
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Female
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Fibromyalgia / complications
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Free Radical Scavengers / metabolism
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Humans
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Male
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Quality of Life*
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Serotonin / metabolism
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Sex Factors
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Stress, Psychological / complications
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United States / epidemiology
Substances
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Free Radical Scavengers
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Serotonin